Nothing says that summer is here quite like the sound of crickets chirping outside. While this can be a pleasant sound for some, the high-pitched sound is best enjoyed from a distance. If you have crickets in or near your home, the sound can be maddening and can even keep you from getting sleep.
At A1 Bonded Termite, our Anaheim pest control specialists know the habits and behaviors of the local crickets in this area. If you have crickets around your home, we can help you find their hotspots and determine what is causing them to gather around your home.
What Is A Cricket?
Crickets are insects that belong to the Orthoptera family and are distantly related to grasshoppers. There are over 500 different types of crickets in the world, and each species has its own unique features and appearance. But on average, crickets can measure 3/4 to 1 inch long. They have thick bodies that can range in colors from pale yellow to black. There are also green crickets, which sometimes get mistaken for grasshoppers. All crickets have six legs, with the back legs being the longest and two long and thin antennas that are sometimes longer than their body.
Adult crickets have a pair of wings that rest flat on their backs, but they rarely use them. If a cricket does use its wings, it will typically only fly a short distance. They can crawl up to three miles per hour, but their favorite way to travel is to use their giant back legs and jump. Some crickets can jump up to three feet at a time, which makes jumping their fastest way to travel.
Is It Dangerous To Have Crickets In My House?
Crickets may look intimidating and scary, but they are not aggressive, don't sting, and aren't known to spread any diseases to people or pets. They can bite, but it is rare, and it is unlikely that their small mouths are able to pierce human skin.
The main problem that people have with crickets in their homes is the loud chirping noise that the male crickets make. Crickets will chirp as a way to communicate with one another, and most commonly, when they are looking for a mate. The relentless chirping could last all night, which could cause you to lose sleep.
Crickets can also cause property damage, although it is usually minimal compared to other home-invading pests. Crickets have a diverse diet and will eat things like grass, flowers, insect larvae, and seeds. However, they will also eat certain fabrics, such as cotton, wool, and silk, which means that you could find holes in your clothing, curtains, and other fabric-covered objects.
Why Do I Have Crickets In My Home?
Crickets like to live outdoors, where they have the room and the freedom to roam around. However, sometimes, the outside conditions are not favorable, so the cricket will try to seek shelter in your home. They are more likely to pick your home if they sense that plenty of food and water is inside. Some of the things that you can do to ensure that you are not attracting crickets into your home include:
- Keep your pet food and pantry food in a sealed container
- Don't leave fresh produce out in the open
- Don't leave your exterior lights on all night
Crickets are also attracted to moist and dark areas. If you don't want crickets in your home, make sure that there are no leaks or excessive humidity inside your house.
How Do I Get Rid Of Crickets In My House?
Crickets can be a problem in Anaheim for most of the year. If you want to get these annoying bugs out of your home, give us a call today! At A-1 Bonded Termite, we offer complete cricket control solutions that are sure to leave your home cricket-free for good.